5 Holiday Accidents That Can Dampen Your Spirits

Now that the holiday season is here, most Americans are busy shopping, decorating their homes, baking cookies and making other holiday preparations. Sometimes, people become so frazzled preparing for the holidays, they forget about the various safety hazards that can occur. Here are five of the most common types of holiday accidents, along with the importance of having a Kentucky accident lawyer represent you when you are a victim. 

1. Auto Accidents

More vehicle accidents happen from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day than any other time of the year. This is because of several factors, such as inclement weather, more traffic and drunk driving. In fact, people losing their lives from drunk drivers make up 25 percent of all auto crash fatalities occurring between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Besides never driving when intoxicated, you also need to drive defensively and report anyone whom you might suspect is driving drunk. Furthermore, keep your eyes focused on the road and don’t be distracted, by changing a CD, fiddling with a radio dial, checking your phone or using other devices while operating a vehicle. In addition, obey Kentucky’s distracted driving laws. For example, texting while driving is illegal.

2. Electric Shock from Holiday Decorating

Many people are treated for electric shock from holiday decorations. To reduce the likelihood of shock, carefully follow the instructions on a product label for electric lights. Don’t use extension cords or light strands that have broken bulbs or exposed wiring. Make sure any lights you use are certified as safe.

3. Food Poisoning

Although food is a huge part of the holidays, many Americans suffer from food poisoning. Two of the most common types are E-Coli and Salmonella. While some people develop food poisoning from eating in restaurants, others get sick from eating at home. To minimize the odds of experiencing food poisoning, use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands both before and after food preparation as well as after touching raw eggs, raw meats or unwashed produce. Also, be sure food is cooked thoroughly.

Don’t eat at restaurants that show signs of poor hygiene, such as servers wearing dirty uniforms or aprons. This could suggest a restaurant is not meeting Kentucky food codes. If you are a victim of food poisoning when dining out, there are several ways you can prove that a restaurant is legally liable, such as serving food that wasn’t stored or prepared properly.

4. Falls,

Every year, there are people who get injured from falling off ladders while trying to put up holiday lights. Falls from rooftops are another kind of holiday accident. To prevent falling from a ladder, be sure a surface is stable and have someone hold the ladder. Moreover, don’t stand on the top rung as this is extremely  dangerous. To be safe, forget about putting up lights on a roof.

5. Hazardous Toys

Tragically, many young children suffer harm or even die during the holiday season from swallowing small components of toys with movable parts, such as action figures and dolls. That’s why parents should examine their children’s toys and be sure they’re safe. What’s more, check the WATCH (World Against Toys Causing Harm) list to see if a suspected toy is listed. 

Contact a Highly Experienced and Qualified Kentucky Accident Lawyer 

Sometimes, accidents occur because of the negligence of someone else. When this happens, it’s critical that you get the right legal help for financial compensation. At Saladino & Schaaf, we have been helping the injured for more than 25 years.

Have you been injured due to the carelessness of another?  If so, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also call (270) 444-0406 to set up a free consultation or talk with us online. Don’t miss out on getting substantial compensation because it may be too late if you procrastinate.